How to Stay Sober from Drugs
Wondering how to stay sober from drugs after suffering an addiction?
Coming to the decision to overcome addiction to drugs and ultimately finding a way to stay sober from drugs, could possibly be the single most important decision of a drug user or alcoholic's life. Like the old adage goes, once an addict admits they need help is the first step. Knowing what next steps to take towards recovery can be a challenge.
Getting sober is not a quick, simple process. Achieving sobriety is a gradual process that takes weeks to months, and in some cases, years. Many recovering addicts struggle with relapses along the road to recovery, so it is important to understand this and not be disappointed if temporary setbacks happen.
It doesn't matter how long a user has been addicted to drugs or how sever the addiction has become. Certain steps can be taken to help anyone struggling with addiction, learn how to overcome addiction and stay sober from drugs. These steps include:
- Committing to stop using the substance
- Determining and setting short-term and long-term goals
- Planning treatment options
- Getting support during and after treatment
- Making plans to live an life free of addiction
Committing to end an addiction is extremely difficult. Truly understanding why, getting and staying sober will positively impact your life and the lives of those you love, can have a profound effect and get you started on the path to recovery.
Some of the reasons to stay sober that can be easily outlined are:
- The desire to mend damaged relationships with family, a child, spouse or other relatives
- The need and want to make a living and be free of financial hardships
- A long overdue healthy lifestyle
- An end to the constant threat of illness, harm, and even death
In addition to committing to quit, another priority should be setting both long and short-term goals to make the recovery process less stressful.
Short-term goals like staying clean for 2 weeks straight, are vital as they help to build your confidence and encourage continued abstinent behaviors. Gradually reducing your drug use helps you prepare for a sustainable drug or alcohol-free life.
When stopping the use of drugs, the addict must make certain that this is done in a safe, effective way. A rehab facility can help achieve detox and sobriety in many ways. Depending on the drug or substance used and how long the addiction has gone on, a medically detoxification (detox) program may be required to safely wean the user off the drug and avoid cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms. After completing detox, the programs offered at these rehab facility offer both emotional support and a structured plan to avoid a relapse beyond rehab.
It is very common to experience cravings within the initial few months after stopping use of the drug. How you deal with cravings must be part of the addict's sobriety plan. Avoid giving into cravings and temptations. To deal with cravings, go to someone for support or find a distraction. Exercising, listening to music, or simply keeping busy by being productive and running errands can be healthy outlets to avoid temptation and be an integral part to their relapse prevention plan. Of course, removing all substances from the home and distancing oneself from all people places and things that lead can encourage relapse.
When you are learning how to stay sober from drugs, it's important to be honest with people about your limits. Do not attend parties where there will be drugs or alcohol. Taking steps such as these can go a long way in preventing relapse.
Finding the right support throughout your recovery process is vital to getting sober. There are numerous places and people you can turn to for help, including support groups, family members, close friends, and other people in recovery.
Many people attend and follow 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
These programs allow you to be completely honest about your addiction and struggles with getting sober without the fear that what you say will get out into public, thus helping you find real and solid reasons to stay sober.
If you are committed to taking the steps necessary to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, treatment professionals and members of your support group can help you throughout the recovery process.
Achieving sobriety requires serious commitment, and having a support system can make all the difference. Find out how addiction rehab can help you by calling today at (877) 804-1531. Now is the time for you or your loved one to begin the path to recovery and start living a healthy life free of addiction.
Sources:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/09687637.2014.947564?needAccess=true&
http://www.recovery.org/topics/getting-sober-and-drug-free/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction